Thirty Years Later—Laser Vision Correction Remains A Good Option For Many

Looking at LASIK? Work with a highly qualified ophthalmologist to learn if you are a good candidate for the procedure.(NAPS)

(NAPSI)—2018 marks the 30th anniversary of the first
laser vision correction procedure where, for the first time, people with vision
issues had an option beyond glasses and contact lenses to see well. So far,
more than 19 million LASIK procedures have been performed in the U.S.,
proving it is a popular alternative to the struggle many people have with
their vision. In fact, the U.S. military relies on LASIK for its
operation-ready personnel. While technologies and techniques have advanced
the science of LASIK, not everyone is a good candidate for the procedure. On
average, between 15 and 20 percent of patients are considered ineligible.
While every patient is unique, there are general guidelines that surgeons use
in determining if a patient is a candidate for LASIK eye surgery.

For adults over 18, LASIK can correct nearsightedness, farsightedness and
astigmatism, within certain prescription ranges set by the U.S. Food and Drug
Administration. LASIK improves vision by reshaping your cornea—the
surface of the eye that helps focus light to create an image on the retina. A
thorough eye exam will confirm the vision correction needed isn’t too
extreme. Importantly, the prescription should be stable, meaning it has
stayed the same for at least a year. During the exam, the thickness of the
cornea is measured to make sure there is enough tissue for the reshaping
required to achieve the desired amount of correction.

Certain health issues and medications may interfere with the healing
process, making laser vision correction a poor choice. It is important that
patients share their complete health history with their surgeon to ensure a
recommendation for candidacy based upon all available facts.

Because many people are interested in LASIK, understanding that there is a
process for becoming a candidate, accepting that the procedure has limits,
and recognizing that there is a healing and recovery period involved is
helpful in making an informed decision.

Knowing if you are a good candidate is important for considering any
procedure, including LASIK. Finding and working with a highly qualified
surgeon, having a complete evaluation of your eyes and vision, and doing your
own research into the procedure are important steps in the process. Armed
with the facts, both you and your surgeon will have the information needed to
make the best recommendation for you and your vision.

Our Omaha LASIK surgeons are proud to offer the latest technology and most experienced surgeons for the patients our omaha LASIK patients. The Omaha Eye & Laser Institute is the first center in Omaha, Nebraska to offer you the most advanced form of LASIK laser vision correction.